Jaw / TMJ

The term TMJ refers to a variety of conditions that affect the TMJ, the hinge that connects the jaw and the muscles one uses to chew. While usually temporary and recurring, these conditions can be painful. Dr. Michele Claeys has treatments available that may give you relief from TMJ symptoms.

What does TMJ stand for?

TMJ literally refers to the temporomandibular joints (TMJs), which are the hinges that connect your lower jaw to your skull. The numerous disorders associated with the TMJ muscles are often referred to “TMJ” or as “TMD” (TMJ Disorders). TMD is not just one condition, but a group of painful disorders that affect the TMJ and the muscles one uses to chew.

What is TMD or TMJ Disorder?

TMD is not just one condition, but a group of painful disorders that affect the TMJs and the muscles one uses to chew. It affects more women than men, and is usually temporary or occasional, but a small percentage of sufferers have serious chronic problems.

Do I have a TMJ Disorder?

The following are symptoms of TMJ Disorders. Not everyone experiences all of these problems. If you experience some of them, speak to Dr. Michele Claeys and have her perform a thorough examination.

Jaw pain, stiffness or soreness

Jaw pain while chewing, biting, or yawning

Painful or tender jaw joint

Difficulty opening and closing the mouth

Restricted range of jaw movement or “locking” of the jaw in an open or closed position

Painful clicking, popping, grinding or grating sounds in the jaw joint when opening or closing the mouth

Pain and fatigue when eating hard or chewy foods

Bruxism – grinding or clenching of teeth when awake or asleep

Earaches without an ear infection

Sensitive teeth and toothaches without evidence of dental problems

Teeth that break or crack without an apparent cause

Aching or radiating pain on the side of the head, face, neck and shoulders

A burning sensation in the mouth/tongue

Frequent unexplained headaches – sometimes diagnosed as migraines

What causes TMJ Disorders?

TMJ is not completely understood by the medical community, so research on causes and treatments continues. Some contributing factors may include:

Trauma – a sharp blow to the face, head, neck or jaw

Disease – osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or gout

Stress

Age and Gender – it most often affects women of child-bearing age

Bad oral habits – some believe TMJ can be caused or aggravated by activities that put the jaw in stressful positions, including tongue
thrusting, mouth breathing, wide yawning, and nail, lip, or cheek biting

Habits and posture – cradling a telephone between your ear and shoulder, talking excessively, straining the shoulder with a heavy shoulder bag, and hunching forward to read

Medical procedures – oral procedures that unnaturally hold the jaw open or those requiring intubations

Bruxism – teeth clenching or grinding

How can TMJ be treated?

Make sure to first discuss all your symptoms with Dr. Michele Claeys and get a thorough examination. She will want to rule out other dental possibilities for your symptoms. There are a number of treatments available, ranging from simple and gentle to the more aggressive and permanent. It best to make simple adjustments first, like eating soft foods, and not chewing gum, and consider more complex or permanent solutions only if necessary. Discuss available options with Dr. Michele Claeys.

Simple techniques you can try on your own:

Massaging the muscles of the face, neck and shoulders

Practicing relaxation techniques designed to reduce stress

Maintaining good posture and work and at home

Trying to keep the jaw relaxed

Avoiding hard foods and gum

Avoiding stressful jaw movements like big yawns

Getting plenty of sleep

Maintaining a good diet and drinking plenty of water

Moist heat or cold packs

Exercise

Over-the-counter pain medications

Medical solutions to discuss with Dr. Michele Claeys:

Prescription anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants

Mouth guards or splints – mouthpieces and special appliances designed to fit or adjust your bite

I initially contacted Michelle on a Thursday afternoon at about 5 pm after work. In Augusta it is near impossible to get a quick dental appointment. I explained to her amazing staff the excruciating pain that I was in and her staff shuffled around the schedule to have me in there the very next morning. My pain was immediately managed and I was put on the schedule for a wisdom tooth removal. I have been having many issues and she could have destroyed my wallet (which many other dentists in this t…

Not sure what the others here did to upset Mrs. Claeys, but my experience was absolutely wonderful. I HATE going to the dentist. I had a molar that had lost its filling about 6 months ago. Didn’t hurt so I didn’t think I needed to go to the dentist. Well 6 months down the road it abscessed. I came to see Michele telling her that one I didn’t have insurance and two I hate needles. She took care of both. Got everything taken care of for less than 150. And she was very gentle, well as gentle as she…

I don’t like dentists and just a though of having a root canal scared the heck out of me. Michele was really awesome and engaging, but the procedure itself was perfectly fine. I can’t say I truly enjoyed it, however it was a piece of cake. She really took me through ever step and explained what she was doing along with checking in if I was fine. Probably my best visit to the dentist yet. The procedure was painless and only pain (if you want to call that) afterwards was my jaw which was sore from…

I have had a number of procedures, from simple to complex, done by Dr. Claeys over the past twenty years or so. I have never found her or her staff (or the dental work) to be anything but excellent. She is kindly, clinically competent and has a sense of humor which helps when facing difficult situations. I would recommend her unconditionally as a dentist.

I have had great results with Dr. Claeys dental office. Everything went smoothly. They dealt with my insurance which made my experience less stressful. The office staff and dentist were all super and the work that I had done turned out great. Couldn’t ask for anything better.

I’ve been a patient of Michele Claeys Dentistry for 2 yrs now. It was about 2 weeks ago I had to go get fillings for my tooth. Dr. Claeys was very gentle and I didn’t even feel the drill just maybe a little tinkling feeling. Definitely better than feeling pain! I love coming here staffs are awesome as well. Thanks again for the best care.

I was getting a porcelain crown, but as a very nervous dental patient, was not looking forward to it. However, doctor Claeys Dentistry has several things they do that completely calmed me so that my experience was actually pleasant! I felt no pain and the procedure was not uncomfortable at all. And if I say that I mean it — since I am very sensitive to everything! I would highly recommend them for any dental needs you have.

I had a stroke of extremely good fortune and was able to get a next day appointment when I was having terrible dental pain. I was hesitant to even have someone else look at my back teeth because I knew they were a mess. Carrie, my dental hygienist, kept an easy conversation going and was very encouraging through the initial process. Dr Claeys herself has what feels like a magic touch. She removed a painful remnant from my braces that had been there for almost 20 years and I barely felt a thing. …